Instagram - Your Ticket To Hamilton Island, Australia

Following the success of Hamilton Island’s inaugural Ultimate Instameet, details of a second event have been announced but this time one lucky Instagrammer from the UK has the chance to win a coveted place.

To better illustrate the concept, Hamilton Island, Australia’s premier island holiday destination, has created a short YouTube documentary which explains this social media initiative. The second Instameet will be held from 17th-19th May 2013.

One lucky competition winner and one ambassador from the UK will travel to Hamilton Island along with one ambassador from Asia, four competition winners and ambassadors from Australia, for a weekend of exploring, photographing and sharing experiences on their social media outlets including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Pinterest.

Sophie Baker, Hamilton Island’s Senior Communications Manager said: ‘The first Instameet promoted our beautiful Island to a global audience of more than eight million social media users over one weekend. This reach and power of genuine, word-of-mouth endorsements from ambassadors to their friends, family and other influencers makes social media a very valuable tool due to its legitimacy and authenticity.’

Participants in the second Instameet will explore Hamilton Island and surrounding Whitsunday islands and World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, enjoy the Island’s award-winning cuisine including cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and sampling locally produced fare, visit world famous Whitehaven Beach, snorkel, watch blazing sunsets with cocktails in hand, and get up close to native Australian wildlife, not to mention cuddling a koala.

To be part of the Instameet from 17th - 19th May, entrants need simply post a picture on Twitter or Instagram of their idea of holiday bliss with the comment ‘@HamiltonIsland this is my holiday bliss #hamiltonislandinstameetcompUK’ by 7th April 2013. The winner will be announced by 10th April, and must be able to travel from 13th – 21st May 2013. Return flights from the winner’s closest UK airport, four nights’ accommodation on Hamilton Island, one nights’ accommodation in Sydney, breakfast daily, on-Island transfers, some other hosted meals and various incredible activities are all included within the prize. (Terms and conditions)

Hamilton Island’s YouTube documentary from the inaugural Ultimate Instameet shows some of the best Instagrammers from Australia and America experiencing the Island for the first time, along with some well known Australian faces including TV personality and Chef Hayden Quinn and model Annabella Barber.

The group captured 640+ photos over one weekend with more than 50 of these appearing in Instagram's highly sought after 'Popular' page on all 100 million active users' feeds. Their images and those from the inaugural Instameet can be viewed on Instagram by searching for hashtag #hamiltonislandinstameet, and following @hamiltonisland on Instagram.

Sofitel So Bangkok Celebrates the First Anniversary

Sofitel So Bangkok celebrates the first anniversary with successful completion of original design elements by Monsieur Christian Lacroix.

On February 28, 2013, Sofitel So Bangkok turned 1 year old. Equally marking Sofitel So Bangkok's first year is the addition of the final art piece by the hotel's Signature Designer Monsieur Christian Lacroix.

From murals and mobiles to uniforms and emblems, Sofitel So Bangkok has successfully completed the installation of renowned French couturier Monsieur Christian Lacroix's key design elements.

The recent unveiling of his bold mobile in the hotel's Street Lobby is the last of his masterpieces located throughout the hotel. The art piece reflects the unique identity of Sofitel So Bangkok, the city's first truly urban design hotel and Monsieur Christian Lacroix's inimitable imagination, stylish and so full of fun, fantasy and flair.

In 2011, during the early stages of the hotel's construction, Monsieur Christian Lacroix was invited to Thailand to be Sofitel So Bangkok's Signature Designer, incorporating his inspiration and design flair all across this unique hotel. A perfect fit to the design boutique hotel, his credentials and creations ranging from haute couture to lifestyle products have long amazed and delighted the fashion world.

At Sofitel So Bangkok, Monsieur Christian Lacroix has combined his personal take on French elegance, theatrical flair, fantasy and folklore with the symbolism of the traditional Five Elements of oriental philosophy - Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Fire – that have inspired the hotel's overall design concept, along with touches of Thai influence.

Centrepiece of it all is the TREE OF LIFE, the hotel's emblem that encapsulates all of the Five Elements, creating a harmonious balance, enriched by the spirit of time and of the seasons. Overflowing with a rainbow of colour, this "Neo Arbre de Vie" is an Asian inspired reinterpretation of an ancient symbol of nature found in the West and East and perfectly epitomizes the essence of Sofitel So Bangkok, rooted in its locale, growing upward and outward.

Monsieur Christian Lacroix, in conjunction with local designer Pongthep Sagulku of August Design, further extends his creative genius to the design of Club Signature, the hotel's stylish executive lounge on the 25th floor. Here, a vibrant ambience is created through a unique wallpaper with an eclectic interplay of images and motifs of old Siam and 19th-century France filled with imaginative patterns, rich textures and bright colours that combine to offer a discovery experience. Most eye-catching of all is a huge fanciful mural that greets guests as they enter and in which stylised figures of women shoppers with chic accessories are posed against a swirling colourful backdrop that is a fun celebration of high fashion.

Perhaps what most immediately brighten guests' experience at Sofitel So Bangkok are the staff uniforms which Monsieur Christian Lacroix has created. A stylish collection of 15 different designs, each staff member has three different uniforms that he or she can choose from to wear on any particular day, adding variety and colour to the hotel's already stylish decor.

In terms of design, Monsieur Christian Lacroix has blended French and Thai styles with his elaborate signature patchwork. For example, one style of a female front line uniform mixes a red shoulder sash reminiscent of classical Thai dress worn with a long-sleeve blouse and skirt. Alternatively, there is a tailored blouse complemented by a full, flowing knee-length skirt. Similarly, male front line staff has the choice of classical Thai jacket and baggy knee-length pantaloons or a modern version of a high-collar Thai jacket with Western trousers. Manager uniforms are again bold and imaginative in design while still conveying an executive look.

Masterfully cut and tailored, the uniforms' patterns and colours reflect Monsieur Christian Lacroix at his boldest and most imaginative. His palette ranges from ruby red to the subtlest of pastel shades, while patterns draw on both nature, with bird and floral designs, and on colourful and elaborate quilt patterns, all of which represents the Five Elements.

Most recently, the hotel completed the installation of Monsieur Christian Lacroix's final touch - a bold art piece hanging from the ceiling of the hotel’s Street Lobby. In what is his own theatrical reinvention of a traditional mobile, his design comprises a collection of separately hanging wooden pieces fashioned variously as stylized animals, both real and imaginary – a turtle and a lion, for example, along with a dragon and a phoenix. All are colourful and richly decorated with floral and quilt patterns, while a symbolic dimension adds depth to the creation as forms and colours are used to subtly represent the Five Elements. At the same time, a fun and playful element adds an inescapable sense of joie de vivre.

As the Street Lobby has two entrances, from North Sathorn and Rama IV roads, Monsieur Christian Lacroix, whose work adorns the Sathorn side, collaborated with well-known local designer Rujiraporn Pia Wanglee, of PIA Interior Co. Ltd., to create a connecting mobile of three-dimensional teakwood latticework at the Rama IV Road lobby entrance. The result is a perfect blend of two cultures, the best of two worlds, French and Thai.

With the unveiling of this final artwork, every corner of Sofitel So Bangkok captures the imagination of its guests as they experience a hotel that’s a masterwork of collaborative interior and fashion design.

While Sofitel So Bangkok is proud of its design-driven facilities, even more satisfying has been the international recognition it has received in just its first year. Highlights among the several accolades garnered in the last 12 months are "Best Business Hotel 2012" by Wallpaper UK, "Best of the Best 2012" by Robb Report, "Best New Spa 2012" by Thai Spa Association, and "One of the best new places to stay" in the Luxe List by DestinAsian magazine.

After such a successful first year, both local and international guests at Sofitel So Bangkok can well look forward to much more to enjoy at what is now well recognized as the city's first truly urban design hotel meeting today's demands.

China Southern Airlines

Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines (code CZ) has operated into Australia for more than 10 years. It now flies 11 times a week between Sydney and Guangzhou and increasing to double daily from June 25, 10 flights a week from Melbourne, four times a week from Brisbane and three times a week from Perth. It also offers daily direct services from Guangzhou to Auckland. In 2012 China Southern launched the Canton Route with new direct flights Guangzhou to London and Europe. China Southern operates the largest airline fleet in Asia and with more than 80 million passengers carried in 2011 it is the third largest carrier in the world.

Patagonia

Image: World Expeditions

Patagonia is a vast and varied territory making up the lowermost portions of South America, straddling both Chile and Argentina. With a landmass comparable in size to the entire eastern seaboard of Australia, the region is rich in scenic and natural wonders.

Many Antarctic Peninsula cruises depart from Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly settlement. Here in the renowned Tierra del Fuego, visitors have the perfect opportunity to explore the breathtaking alpine landscapes. Around the corner in Chile you are at the gateway to an immense, almost polar area that boasts some of the most beautiful fjords anywhere.

The Chileans have three superb national parks on their side of Patagonia; Parque Nacional Puyehue, Laguna San Rafael and Torres del Paine. Each can claim to be amongst the most spectacular in the world incorporating fjords, rich biospheres, glaciers, volcanoes and abundant distinctive wildlife like the curious Patagonian guanaco.

Not to be outdone, Argentina’s easterly regions justifiably flaunt the likes of Peninsula Valdés where visitors can get amongst large numbers of sea lions, seals, rheas, penguins, flamingos and even whales.

Patagonia can be considered a destination in itself, not merely a South American sidedish, so please consider any extensions offered as part of a larger package.

Air Canada

Company Profile

Air Canada is the only airline to fly daily and nonstop between Sydney and Vancouver, continuing onwards to Toronto, same flight number, same plane. Air Canada is the fastest, most convenient and the most comfortable way to travel between Australia and Canada. Air Canada's modern B777-200LR aircraft is the spacious alternative to transpacific travel, complimented by the refreshing Canadian hospitality for which our award winning service is renowned.

 GLOBAL NETWORK
Air Canada has major hubs in three Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver). Its extensive global network provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada and its regional partners operate approximately 1,530 scheduled flights each day on average. Together with its Star Alliance partner airlines (www.staralliance.com), Air Canada offers service to 1,290 airports in 189 countries and provides reciprocal top tier frequent flyer benefits.
Discover air Canada's global network with the new interactive route map
View Air Canada's interactive route map

WHAT'S NEW
New fleet and on-board features
In July 2009, Air Canada received delivery of its 18th Boeing 777 aircraft concluding the first phase of its international fleet renewal. Deliveries of the first of 37 Boeing 787 aircraft are planned to commence in 2014. In addition, Air Canada completed its fleet-wide refurbishment program to offer a consistent on-board product on every refurbished aircraft. Concurrently, Air Canada became the first North American carrier to introduce lie-flat beds in all business class cabins across its refurbished international fleet.

Air Canada aircraft feature all new seats, industry-leading seat-back personal entertainment systems with hundreds of hours of movies, shorts, documentaries, TV programs and music available on demand, as well as standard 110V electrical outlets and USB ports at arm's reach for all customers. Air Canada operates one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets of any North American legacy carrier.
Visit our cabins

Double the movies at your seat
Our Air Canada enRoute In-flight Entertainment system has been created to make your flight as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. We have doubled the movies and increased our TV content to create one of the best on-board entertainment experiences available anywhere!

Beginning with a touch-screen TV at your seat, choose from over 600 hours of on-demand entertainment including movies, TV shows, music albums, satellite radio, the choice is yours.

As of May 2012, we have doubled our in-flight movie programming bringing our selection at up to 150 movies: from 31 to 63 movies on flights within North America and from 72 to 150 movies on international flights
See what's playing this month

 Mobile services
Air Canada offers a growing array of services for smart phone users from its mobile platform mobile.aircanada.com. In 2009, Air Canada became the first North American airline to release apps for Apple iPhone and BlackBerry smart phones. Since November 2010, customers can purchase mobile upgrades and pay service fees using the apps mobile+ function. The apps also provide access to Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada Cargo services. Since September 2011, customers can book flights using Air Canada's app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Stay tuned for an Air Canada Android app, coming soon to mobile.aircanada.com.
Find out more about our mobile travel tools

Awards
In 2011, Air Canada was ranked 'Best International Airline in North America' in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax for its 2011 World Airline Awards. Also in 2011, readers of Global Traveler magazine voted Air Canada "Best Airline in North America." and readers of Business Traveler voted Air Canada "Best North American Airline for International Travel" and "Best In-Flight Services in North America." In the Ipsos Reid Business Traveller Survey, Air Canada was named "Canada's Favourite Airline for Business Travel." Air Canada was preferred by 73 per cent of Canadian business travellers surveyed for 2011, the third consecutive year of improvement in Air Canada's ratings in the national survey.
Discover our award winning service

FLYING WITH AIR CANADA
Executive First (International)
On your next international trip, relax in the privacy of our Executive First Suites*, with the added comfort of a fully flat bed.
Designed to provide you with your own personal space that's ideal for a good night's sleep, each Executive First Suite* reclines into a fully flat bed at the touch of a button. Armed with a comfy pillow and duvet and fully equipped with all the latest in-flight amenities, you'll arrive at your destination completely refreshed and ready to start your day.

Each Executive First Suite is equipped with enhanced features, amenities and priority services including personal 12 inch touch-screen TV with 600 hours of top rated entertainment, fine dining accompanies by a selection of premium wines, spirits and beers, Maple Leaf Lounge access and Concierge Agent.
Experience our Executive First Suite virtual tour

Economy Class (International)
On your next international trip, experience hours of comfort and entertainment with our new economy seats*, featuring the following enhanced features including personal 8.9 inch touch-screen TV with 600 hours of top rated entertainment and complimentary hot meals accompanied by a selection of wines and spirits.
Explore our Economy Class cabin (international)

Maple Leaf Lounge
Each of our 20 award-winning Maple Leaf Lounges-located at all major airports across Canada and at key international locations-provides a private, serene escape from thebustle of airport activity, offering an unrivalled level of service in a cosy, comfortable setting with clean architectural lines, warm natural colours, and breathtaking views.

Our industry-leading business centres are equipped with all the technological features and amenities to let you hit the ground running, from wireless Internet access and secure PC workstations. Enjoy exclusive access to our Maple Leaf Lounges on your next trip when you purchase a qualifying fare or show proof of a qualifying membership.
Find out more

Concierge Service
Air Canada Super Elite members and Executive First customers can enjoy exclusive dedicated service from the moment you check-in at Sydney and in 20 airports around the world from more than 150 carefully selected Concierge Agents. Our Concierge Agents are available to assist you with travel and airport related matters, special requests, such as hotel or restaurant reservations and additional support if ever your travel plans are disrupted.
Find out more

Loyalty Program
Air Canada's loyalty program, Aeroplan (www.aeroplan.com), is Canada's most popular with more than four million active members who earn Miles and privileges towards reward travel on Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners. Air Canada's Top Tier frequent flyer program entitles qualifying members to receive exclusive benefits such as complimentary upgrades and Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport and reservations services, and Star Alliance gold and silver status that are recognized by Air Canada's partner airlines world-wide.

Air Bagan - leading operator of domestic flights within Myanmar

Air Bagan, founded in June 2004 is the leading operator of domestic flights within Myanmar.

With a fleet of 6 aircraft, 2 x Fokker 100, 2 x ATR – 42, 2 x ATR- 72, Air Bagan provides a comprehensive coverage of key routes connecting the main cities and towns in Myanmar.

With Air Bagan serving 19 cities and towns including the key hubs of yangon, bagan, mandalay and the capital nay pyi taw, the tourist can travel effortlessly throughout Myanmar.

(now operating to 19 destinations including main tourist destinations as well as to other commercially important destinations, Air Bagan serves Yangon, Mandalay, Nyaung U, Heho, Kyaing-tong, Tachileik, Myitkyina, Putao, Dawei, Myeik, Kawthaung, Thandwe, Sittwe , Pathein , Nay Pyi Taw, Kalaymyo, Lashio, Homalin and Monywa.)

Following the recent opening of Myanmar to all tourists, Air Bagan is poised to develop further and to play a leading role in the growth of the tourism infrastructure within Myanmar.

For further information, regarding reservations, ticketing and schedules for Air Bagan, please contact :

Aviation & Tourism International

tel: 1300 302 068, tel: 61 (02) 9279 4278

email: jlbati@ozemail.com.au

Sapphire Coast’s springtime feast of beasts

Children who like to get up close and personal with the wild, weird and wonderful should be heading for the NSW Sapphire Coast over the spring school holidays. It’s the best time of the year to see whales on the move – and get involved in lots of animal adventures.

National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre and Potoroo Palace are all offering a range of activities that will allow kids – and their parents – to find out more about critters with fur, feathers and fins.

The NSW NPWS Discovery activities include rock pool exploring, shore-based whale watching, night bush adventures and tours of the Davidson Whaling Station. Bookings are essential and full details are available from the NPWS office at Merimbula (02 6495 5000) or on the website (check Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coast at http://www.wildwildworld.com.au).

Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Eden is offering a range of its most popular activities during the holidays including a 90-minute guided tour of the local rock platforms with a marine biologist and special marine-related creative sessions. Bookings are essential. For more details, phone (02) 6496 1699 or check the website (www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au.

Potoroo Palace Native Animal Education Sanctuary at Merimbula looks more like a baby nursery right now, with a new potoroo, three emus and a koala among the recent arrivals. And there is a baby tawny frogmouth due any minute! More information is available on the website (www.potoroopalace.com/) or by phoning the Sanctuary on (02) 6494 9053.

Eden whale watching

Eden-based whale specialist Cat Balou will be running its popular whale watching cruises every day during the holidays. Learn about Eden’s fascinating whaling history while catching sight of the humpbacks at play. More information is available on the website, www.catbalou.com.au/

Of course, it’s not just all about animals on the Sapphire Coast. Experienced and would-be mountain bike riders should make sure they bring their gear (or hire some locally at Tathra Beach and Bike) for the Sapphire Coast October Cycle Fest. From September 28 to October 1, there is a range of activities geared from the absolute beginner, to the highly experienced racer. A highlight is the social Wharf to Waterhole Ride to celebrate Tathra Wharf’s 150th birthday. Check all the details on the club website (http://www.tathramtbclub.com/)

Cobargo Farm is having an Open Garden Day and Spring Equinox Celebration on Saturday, September 22. From dawn to dusk, there are demonstrations and activities including permaculture, wood turning, soap making, cheese making, spinning and sustainable gardening. Entry by gold coin donation. More information [(02) 6493 6817 or 0409 033 828] or drop into the farm, corner of Bermagui Road and Avernus Street, Cobargo.

And on September 30, Tathra Wharf celebrates its 150th birthday with food, fun and entertainment from 150 years ago, from around 9am. Come and learn the history of Tathra and its unique wharf. Enjoy delicious local produce. Watch the surf boats race past the Wharf. Be part of the panorama and the history. More information from the Tathra Wharf Celebration Committee on (02) 6494 1689.

Located on the far south coast of NSW, the Sapphire Coast is three hours’ drive from Canberra via Cooma or a six/seven-hour drive from either Melbourne or Sydney. There are also regular daily flights from Melbourne or Sydney via REX Airlines into Merimbula, and regular inter-city bus services.

More information on the area, and accommodation details and bookings, are available by calling toll-free on 1800 150 457 or by visiting the region’s website, http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au